A TIKTOK INFLUENCER IS SUDDENLY CALLED TO TESTIFY IN THE LINDSAY CLANCY CASE… AND THE DEFENSE’S MOVE IS LEAVING THE COURTROOM BUZZING
From social media feed to the witness stand. It’s a sign of the times in the Lindsay Clancy trial and high profile trials everywhere.
Lindsay Clancy was once an average mum of three; but she’s now on trial for murdering her children.
The case is not about whether she did so, but rather, what her state of mind was at the time.
It’s a case that has not only captured the attention of the US public, but also the world. Conspiracy theories abound on social media, many displaying a total misunderstanding of the recorded and significant mental health issues Clancy was suffering leading up to the deaths.
The ‘armchair experts’ rant that “mental health issues are no excuse” – but amongst the thousands of opinionated posts are some from actual medical professionals.
One of them is so strong, it’s now being relied on by Clancy’s defence team.
Emily Thorndike, a licensed clinical social worker, worked at McLean Hospital, the same place Clancy was receiving treatment, for eight years.
She’s posted about the establishment recently, alarmed by how it’s is being portrayed by the prosecution.
“We need to correct the misinformation that the prosecutor is saying about McLean and what the stay there is like.
“The prosecution is trying to say that if Lindsay really wanted to get better, why didn’t she engage in treatment more? But let me tell you how it actually works.”
Her viral TikToks have finally caught the attention of Clancy’s defence team, who hold her opinion so highly, they have called her testify on the mother’s behalf.
It’s a move that’s surprising, but also “a sign of the times”, as people increasingly get their news from social media – and, it seems, professional tip offs, too.
As one journalist reporting on the case said, “From social media feed to the witness stand. It’s a sign of the times in the Lindsay Clancy trial and high profile trials everywhere.”
It’s also hopefully a warning to some influencers who discuss headline news to fact check their content.
Lindsay Clancy’s lawyer explaining why Emily Thorndike is being called “at the eleventh hour”. Image: TikTok
What did Lindsay Clancy do?
The 35-year-old Clancy is claiming what is commonly known as an “insanity defence” in the US, in the deaths of Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callen on January 24, 2023.
Whilst Clancy has admitted guilt, the trial’s main question is about whether the children’s’ deaths were pre-meditated, or caused by the postpartum psychosis for which she was being treated.
On the night of the murders, Clancy sent her husband, Patrick Clancy, to the pharmacy and to collect takeaway for dinner. In that time, she strangled Cora, Dawson and Callen with exercise rubber bands, and jumped out of her second-story bedroom window.
She was the only one to survive the night.
Clancy was on multiple medications for her mental health, and had sought professional help, in the weeks prior to the fatal night.
The timing of tasking Patrick with the errands is the main factor in the premeditation accusation.
The case continues.
Ray Hadley to give evidence at Alan Jones’ criminal trial
The former radio colleagues will have their professional ties tested as Jones faces his second week in court.
Veteran broadcaster Ray Hadley will reportedly give evidence against his former 2GB radio station colleague Alan Jones in the second week of Jones’ criminal trial.
The Australian has revealed that Hadley has been advised he is “likely to be called to testify” in the indecent Sєxual ᴀssault case “as early as Thursday,” when ‘Complainant C’ finishes giving evidence.
‘Complainant C’, one of six complainants who have accused Jones of Sєxual ᴀssault over two decades, worked on Jones’ 2GB breakfast program.
Prosecutor Georgina Wright told the court last week that their final duty each day was to drive Jones home to his mutil-million dollar Circular Quay apartment.
Ray Hadley to address ‘Complainant C’ accusations
‘Complainant C’ has accused the radio presenter of lavishing the young employee unwanted attention, kissing and Sєxually touching him, while calling him “donkey”, in reference to the size of his penis.
‘Complainant C’ allegedly grew increasingly distressed about the encounters and made a number of partial disclosures to colleagues, including Hadley, who hosted the top-rating show that followed Jones’ program each weekday.
Unlike Jones’ accusers, who are all giving evidence via video link, Hadley will be the first witness to appear in person in the courtroom.
Alan Jones trial begins
Last Monday, the trial began at Sydney’s Downing Centre this morning.
As Jones exited his vehicle to walk into the building, he was slowed to a crawl by a media throng, presenting questions to him such as, “How does it feel being the news after reporting the news?”, “Are you feeling nervous or stressed?” and “Will you continue to maintain your innocence?”
Jones’s trial for for indecent ᴀssault and Sєxual touching charges was set to start at 9:30 this morning, which compelled another reporter to ask, “Why are you 20 minutes late?”
Jones, who was once one of Australia’s most successful and popular radio idenтιтies, and made a living out of speaking, remained silent as he entered the court building.
His trial for indecent ᴀssault from six complainants is expected to run for four months and hear from 76 witnesses.
The complainants claim they were allegedly indecently ᴀssaulted by the now 85-year-old between 2003 and 2020.
Jones is facing 22 charges, which include 20 indecent ᴀssault and two Sєxual touching charges.
